PENGHU, July 16,
2017 - The FISU Universiade torch today began its journey through Chinese
Taipei, travelling city to city before it arrives in the capital city of Taipei
City for the start of the event on 19 August.

The torch was lit in
Torino, Italy on 20 June to commemorate the first ever Universiade and will now
complete the domestic part of the route, spelling out the word “LOVE” as it
connects 22 cities throughout the country. The torch has already been taken to
the summit of Mt Jade, lighting up the highest point of Chinese Taipei.

Speaking as the torch’s
city tour began, FISU President Oleg Matytsin said that the event was an
important part of uniting Chinese Taipei’s citizens around the spirit of the
Universiade.

“As the torch travels
throughout Chinese Taipei, it is an opportunity for the country’s residents to
be a part of the 2017 Summer Universiade,” he said. “This event is the biggest
that Taipei has ever staged, and second only to the Olympic Games in terms of
world sport. It is my hope that, through the Torch Relay, residents will feel
connected to this great event.”

The torch will now
travel through Penghu, Kinmen and Lianjiang before 19 other city stops to
complete the tour, with the flame being lit at the Universiade Opening
Ceremony.

“I am now looking
forward to arriving in Taipei for the finale of the Torch Relay and the
beginning of the Universiade,” President Matytsin continued. “FISU has worked
incredibly hard with the Taipei Organising Committee. The final preparations
are going very well and I am sure this is going to be a wonderful celebration
of sport and education.”